Jacky Lorenzetti, owner of Racing 92, is not happy with Siya Kolisi’s performance in the club’s Top 14 defeat against Bordeaux.
The Paris team lost Sunday’s playoff game 31–17 and according to Lorenzetti, the Bok captain did not make his presence felt on the field at all.
The 33-year-old loose forward underwent hand surgery in March and according to the French rugby boss, he struggled with his level of play afterwards.
“He gained a few kilograms, lost his playing level and he was invisible on the field,” Lorenzetti told the French sports publication Midi Olympique said.
Kolisi played his first game for the Parys club last November after holding up the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time in a row with his Springbok team.
There was a big fuss about his arrival and Lorenzetti praised him for his initial role along the field.
“He enjoyed an incredible run-up to the season and he brought the team together as a unit. But we missed him on Sunday.”
According to Lorenzetti, the team longs for the days of Wenceslas Lauret’s rock-hard loose forward play.
“Hopefully things will be better next season.”
Rassie Erasmus said last week that Kolisi is definitely still part of the Springboks’ captaincy plans.
“We will appoint the captain for the next few years after the Wales Test. Siya will then of course also be back in the picture. His club works very well with us and they are willing to make him available,” said the Bok head coach in Pretoria.
Kolisi won 67% of his 53 tests at the helm of the Springboks.
????️ Racing 92 president Jack Lorenzetti on Siya Kolisi:
“Kolisi had a remarkable start to the season, where he was a unifier off the field,” he told Midi Olympique.
“The injury layoff was harmful to him. He gained weight, lost shape and yesterday (against Bordeaux) he was… pic.twitter.com/iW2DO6S8Q3
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 17, 2024
